3.+Copyright+and+Software

__**COPYRIGHT AND SOFTWARE**__
__Why do software authors need to be protected by copyright?__ Software developers work hard to develop the programs. If those are pirated or stolen, the software developers will often be unable to get the money they need to continue supporting and make the software better. The effects of software piracy impact the entire global economy. The reduced amount of money that the developers are recieving often don't have enough to improve on their product, which results in less research and being stuck with the same problems with the software.

__How does software piracy become a cost to the Australian computer industry each year?__ Interestingly enough the BSA (Buisness Software Association) claim that Australia's piracy rates have dropped slightly by one percent making 31% of all packaged software pirated and they claim that the losses through piracy cost Australia $39.6 billion.

__What is the result of software piracy?__ Pirated softwares could contain viruses that can damage computers or lead to identity theft. Counterfeit software also might be corrupted.This may cause the hardrive to ruin, costing consumers more money to fix it. Fines of up to $250,000 can apply and offenders can go to jail for up to 15 years.